Chapter 14Dull Lance had good eyes. I could make out only a distant line of riders approaching from the south.
“Go to the barn and start rubbing down the horses. Stay out of sight and let me handle the soldiers. They’re likely out on patrol and checking to see I’m all right.”
We led the horses into the outhouse, and I had almost finished wiping down Patch before I heard the thump of hooves on the bridge. One horseman.
I nodded reassuringly to Lance, went outside, and was pleased to see James riding into the yard. His big cavalry mount blew steam through his nostrils after struggling through the snow. The rest of a squad-sized patrol had turned and was passing the farmhouse on the east.
“This is a surprise,” I said.
“No more than the new bridge. I’ve been thinking about one but decided
